Thankfulness
The Christ-Centered Friendship
Philippians 1:1-11
The Christ-Centered Friendship
Philippians 1:1-11
***
The Letter to the Philippians is a missionary thank you letter by Paul to the church at Philippi. He’s so encouraged by their thoughtfulness and their friendship. We were meant to do community as believers and true friends of the faith will help carry us during dark days! Most believe that this letter was written while he was
in prison in Rome.
Only joy in Jesus can overcome our circumstances!
Christ-Centered Friendships Are Started By Prayer vv.3-5
James 5:16 “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Prayer is critical in daily spiritual warfare. Christ-centered friends can count on your prayers.
Christ-Centered Friendships Are Started By Prayer vv.3-5
James 5:16 “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Prayer is critical in daily spiritual warfare. Christ-centered friends can count on your prayers.
Ephesians 6:18-19 “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,”
Christ-Centered Friendships Are Sustained By Encouragement vv.6-8
1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
Hey church at Philippi! I know God has a great work for you to do! I’ve seen it
Christ-Centered Friendships Are Sustained By Encouragement vv.6-8
1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
Hey church at Philippi! I know God has a great work for you to do! I’ve seen it
first hand, stay the course!
Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
2 Corinthians 7:5-6 “For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,”
Two types of people: Life Breather or Death Bringer
Christ-Centered Friendships Are Sharpened By Instruction vv.9-11
Don’t buy the lie that says, “you have to walk with them down the wrong road.” If they are drowning, rescue them! If they are burning in a house, rip the door down, run in and grab them! If they are in the road, push them out of the way so they do not get hurt. Why, because Christ is worthy of our and their obedience. At times, we need a battle buddy who will help watch your 6 0’clock. The devil is prowling like a lion! Parents, there is an evil trend that says, “you have to give to your child’s every want.” If you truly love them, you will instruct them to be Christ-Centered, which is in its’ very nature Others-Centered!
Three Things a Faithful Friend Must do:
1) Connect
– Connect others to Christ and to growing in Christ! The Great Commandment and the Great Commission.
2) Care
– Care enough to walk with them through hurts, pains, and sorrows! That’s what Christ did for us! Let’s be the church in our friendships!
vv.9-10
3) Correct
Correct friends in a loving biblical way
Proverbs 27:5-6 “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.”
Hebrews 10:23-25 “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Many for one reason or another have a problem with the church! Maybe they’ve been hurt, maybe they’ve been mistreated, but you can be the difference. If they tell you that they love Christ but don’t want to attend church, tell them you can’t love the Groom without loving the Bride!
Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Galatians 6:1 “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted”
Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
2 Corinthians 7:5-6 “For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,”
Two types of people: Life Breather or Death Bringer
Christ-Centered Friendships Are Sharpened By Instruction vv.9-11
Don’t buy the lie that says, “you have to walk with them down the wrong road.” If they are drowning, rescue them! If they are burning in a house, rip the door down, run in and grab them! If they are in the road, push them out of the way so they do not get hurt. Why, because Christ is worthy of our and their obedience. At times, we need a battle buddy who will help watch your 6 0’clock. The devil is prowling like a lion! Parents, there is an evil trend that says, “you have to give to your child’s every want.” If you truly love them, you will instruct them to be Christ-Centered, which is in its’ very nature Others-Centered!
Three Things a Faithful Friend Must do:
1) Connect
– Connect others to Christ and to growing in Christ! The Great Commandment and the Great Commission.
2) Care
– Care enough to walk with them through hurts, pains, and sorrows! That’s what Christ did for us! Let’s be the church in our friendships!
vv.9-10
3) Correct
Correct friends in a loving biblical way
Proverbs 27:5-6 “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.”
Hebrews 10:23-25 “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Many for one reason or another have a problem with the church! Maybe they’ve been hurt, maybe they’ve been mistreated, but you can be the difference. If they tell you that they love Christ but don’t want to attend church, tell them you can’t love the Groom without loving the Bride!
Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Galatians 6:1 “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted”